Windows Server Administrators keep the systems behind modern organizations reliable, secure, and available. They install and configure Windows Server environments, manage user access and directory services, monitor performance, troubleshoot incidents, and support business-critical applications. On Ladders, explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, including senior administrator and infrastructure leadership roles.
Responsibilities vary by organization, but often include managing Windows Server deployments, Active Directory and Group Policy, patching and upgrades, backup and recovery, virtualization, and system monitoring. Administrators may also coordinate migrations, document configurations, respond to security findings, and work with network, cloud, database, and service desk teams.
Employers commonly look for hands-on experience with Windows Server, PowerShell scripting, identity and access management, virtualization platforms, endpoint and server security, and backup tools. Familiarity with Microsoft Azure or hybrid cloud environments, automation, compliance requirements, and IT service management can also help candidates stand out. Requirements differ by role, so review each listing for its specific platform and experience expectations.
Windows Server Administrator experience can lead to senior systems administration, infrastructure engineering, cloud operations, systems architecture, or IT management. Higher-level roles may involve designing resilient environments, guiding migrations, setting operational standards, mentoring administrators, and partnering with business leaders on infrastructure strategy.
Browse Ladders for vetted professional jobs that pay $100,000 or more. Compare role requirements, technologies, responsibilities, and compensation details to identify opportunities that fit your experience and career goals. New listings and employer requirements vary, so check postings regularly and tailor your application to each position.
Forward Deployed Engineer (Technical Architect)
$170K - $210K *
Empower Federal agencies by architecting and delivering AI-assisted software solutions. Responsible for client engagement, technology integration, and ensuring that production-ready solutions meet ope...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the design and implementation of advanced DevSecOps solutions, ensuring seamless integration with cloud infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure system...
Reposted 3 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in building scalable cloud infrastructure for a leading AI platform. You will manage Kubernetes clusters, automate deployments, and implement CI/CD pipelines to ensure performance and...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge infrastructure for AI systems, focusing on Kubernetes management, automated deployments, and reliable scaling to support enterprise demands across multiple clo...
3 weeks ago
$91K - $141K *
Transform enterprise video teleconferencing infrastructure supporting critical communications across multiple secure enclaves. Ensure seamless integration, compliance, and high availability while lead...
3 weeks ago
$91K - $141K *
Shape the future of video teleconferencing by engineering and maintaining robust systems across multiple security enclaves. Collaborate with teams to ensure seamless communications, proactively resolv...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive system improvements and enhance applications by identifying opportunities, implementing innovative designs, and maintaining quality code while collaborating with teams to leverage new technologi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Enterprise Applications Administrator
$110K - $130K *
Optimize enterprise applications and integrations, ensuring security and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workflows and manage cloud environments, vendor relationships...
2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer – Authentication & Authorization (Hybrid)
$195K - $290K *
Lead the charge in shaping the technical strategy for a high-volume Authentication Platform, ensuring secure identity and access management for global enterprise customers while driving innovation in...
2 days ago
Principal Engineer – Authentication & Authorization (Hybrid)
$195K - $290K *
Lead the charge in shaping the technical strategy for a cutting-edge Authentication Platform, driving innovation in identity and access management systems that secure enterprise customers globally wit...
2 days ago
Lead DevSecOps Engineer and Application Administrator
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading the technical management of a mission-critical supply chain risk management dashboard. Oversee development, cybersecurity, and deployment operations while ensuring complian...
3 days ago
Senior Corporate Security Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by enhancing corporate security operations through hands-on engineering. Collaborate with teams to manage endpoints, identity access, and incident response while driving complian...
3 weeks ago
AWS Cloud Security Engineer (Top Secret)
$150K - $180K *
Transform security operations by evaluating and optimizing enterprise and AWS-native security tools, ensuring effective integration and compliance with industry standards while enhancing overall secur...
1 week ago
Software Engineer, Cell Orchestration
$210K - $250K *
Contribute to the development of software interfaces for automated manufacturing systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance production capabilities and drive innovation in a multi-f...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in enhancing border security operations through innovative IT solutions and hands-on technical expertise in cloud infrastructure, data governance, and modernization efforts within a co...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of technical solutions that enhance border security operations through data governance, cloud management, and infrastructure modernization. Collaborate across teams to drive effective I...
1 week ago
Security Engineer, Exposure and Vulnerability Management
$120K - $145K *
Drive comprehensive vulnerability management across diverse infrastructures, ensuring robust security for cutting-edge AI technologies. Own the entire security program, from engineering to remediation...
4 days ago
Security Engineer, Exposure and Vulnerability Management
$130K - $155K *
Drive the development of a comprehensive security program, managing exposure and vulnerability across diverse infrastructures. Collaborate with teams to engineer solutions that ensure robust protectio...
4 days ago
$113K - $147K *
Unlock potential by designing and managing Azure infrastructure, automating workflows, and enhancing security. Collaborate with teams to modernize systems and ensure compliance while optimizing perfor...
2 weeks ago
Enterprise Implementation Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Elevate customer success by implementing privacy-first healthcare marketing solutions. As an Implementation Engineer, you'll guide clients through technical setups, ensuring optimal performance and co...
2 weeks ago
Application Security Engineer (R-00233)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in application security engineering, overseeing complex systems and ensuring robust security measures throughout the software lifecycle while driving continuous improvement and complia...
3 weeks ago
$92K - $110K *
Join a team that's developing cutting-edge embedded software for agricultural machinery. Collaborate in an Agile environment to create, test, and debug software solutions that enhance hardware integra...
2 days ago
Architect, AI - Active Top Secret Clearance
$130K - $215K *
Unlock potential by leading AI architecture solutions that empower clients through innovative design, hands-on implementation, and strategic guidance, ensuring successful adoption of cutting-edge tech...
4 days ago
Technical Staff: DevOps Engineer
$130K - $160K *
Champion innovative backend solutions to enhance core platform infrastructure, enabling governments to swiftly acquire essential technology for national security and operational efficiency...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $250K *
Design, deploy, and automate infrastructure as a DevOps Engineer to enhance mission-critical systems. Collaborate on modernization programs, ensuring tools operate flawlessly while handling outages an...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
What does a Windows Server Administrator do?
A Windows Server Administrator maintains and supports Windows-based server environments. Typical work includes configuration, patching, access management, monitoring, troubleshooting, backup and recovery, and collaborating with teams responsible for networks, security, and applications.
What skills are commonly required for Windows Server Administrator jobs?
Commonly requested skills include Windows Server administration, Active Directory and Group Policy, PowerShell, virtualization, server security, monitoring, and backup and recovery. Some roles also seek experience with Azure, hybrid infrastructure, automation, or compliance.
Do Windows Server Administrators need certifications?
Certification requirements vary by employer and role. Relevant Microsoft or cloud credentials may strengthen an application, but many employers also consider practical experience, technical skills, and the ability to manage production environments.
Can Windows Server Administrator jobs pay $100,000 or more?
Yes. Some senior, specialized, or high-responsibility roles meet or exceed $100,000, depending on factors such as location, experience, employer, and scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; review each listing for compensation details.
What career paths can follow Windows Server Administrator work?
Experienced administrators may move into senior systems administration, infrastructure or cloud engineering, systems architecture, security operations, or IT management. The path depends on skills, interests, and the needs of the organization.